Tom Cruise in Talks to Star in Universal’s Mummy Reboot

There were not many ways to get me excited in a Mummy reboot, the first in a planned series of connected movies linking The Wolfman, Dracula, Frankenstein and more, but Universal has found a way. Tom Cruise is in talks to star in The Mummy and is expected to take a major role in developing the new monster universe.

Variety reports that Cruise’s schedule suddenly became open when a planned reteam with director Doug Liman (Edge of Tomorrow) was put on hold as Liman went to direct Channing Tatum’s Gambit. Cruise was mulling offers for multiple roles, including the Shining prequel Overlook Hotel, before sparking to The Mummy and the Universal Monsters Universe.

Alex Kurtzman, who is the de facto Kevin Feige of this UMU along with Fast and Furious writer Chris Morgan, will direct the film based on a script by Jon Spaihts. Not much is known about the film at this time other than, unlike the Brendan Fraser films, this film is expected to take place in modern day.

Should Cruise sign on to the film, he would also sign on for additional roles in future movies, as this universe expands, Avengers-like, to one massive monster movie. In addition to going after an A-lister like Cruise, the studio is also chasing Angelina Jolie to play the Bride of Frankenstein, reportedly even greenlighting the experimental By the Sea in the hopes of wooing her towards that role.